OBITS: Albany Times Union 18 Sep 2005; Albany, Albany co., New York text-formatted by W. David Samuelsen for The USGenWeb Archives Project *********************************************************************** Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/ny/nyfiles.htm *********************************************************************** Source: Albany Times Union http://www.timesunion.com Barford Jr., Burns F. VALATIE Burns F. Barford Jr., a lifetime resident of Valatie, died September 17, 2005. He was born in Valatie, N.Y. on January 26, 1916. He was the son of Mary and Burns Barford, later district attorney of Columbia County and assistant attorney general of the State of New York. Grandson of James Purcell, one-time elected county clerk of Columbia County. He is survived by his wife, Lois Barford; and six children, Burns F. Barford III and wife Marcia of Henniker, N.H., William B. Barford and wife Jean of Valatie, James Barry Barford and wife Cindy of Valatie, Michael P. Barford and wife Barbara of Essex Junction, Vt., Mary L. Barford of Valatie and Elizabeth A. Flaherty and husband David of Kinderhook; as well as 13 grandchildren and one great-grandson. He is also survived by one brother, James Barford of Phoenix, Ariz. He attended and graduated from Valatie Grammar School and Martin H. Glynn High School in 1933. He was the men's tennis champion and president of his class. He attended and graduated from Union College in 1937. While at Union, he played on the varsity football and lacrosse teams, earning his Block U letter in lacrosse. He graduated in 1937 with a scholarship to Albany Law School. He attended Albany Law School. While there, he was an editor on the law review, a member of the Justinian Society and graduated in 1940 with a cum laude LL degree. He later was awarded a juris doctor degree. In 1942, he enlisted in the armed services and served in several infantry divisions before being sent to Fort Sill where he graduated from officer training as a second lieutenant of artillery. He served in the China Burma India Theater for two years including service in theater headquarters on the Hump Airfields and on the Burma Road. Upon the war's conclusion, he returned from service, having held every rank from private to major. After service in the law office of Frederick Harris in Albany, N.Y., he set up practice within the Village of Valatie, where he continued to practice law to this date. In the year 1955, he was appointed surrogate court judge of the County of Columbia. He is a longtime member of the Columbia County, New York State and American Bar Associations, having been a president of the Columbia County Bar. He was married to Mary Barnett of Philadelphia in 1949. She was a loving companion and mother for 41 years, having passed away in 1990. He was a longtime member of the Hudson Elks and an organizing member of the Kinderhook Lions Club. He was a charter member of the John J. Curran Chapter of the Lions Club and Valatie Santa Claus Club. He was an honorary member of the Niverville Fire Company. He was a member of the John McConnell Post of the American Legion in Valatie and one-time commander of that post. He also was elected county commander of the American Legion and was also a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Stuyvesant Chapter. He was an organizing member of the Winding Brook Country Club and, for several years, president of that organization. He was a member of the 50 Club of Kinderhook. He was recently honored for his service for 50 years as attorney for the Village of Kinderhook, said to be the longest term any lawyer in the state ever served as a village attorney. He was, on February 4, 1958, elected as a director of the National Union Bank of Kinderhook and served as chairman of the board of that bank for nine years. He served for many years as attorney to the Columbia Greene Community College, the Sheriff Association of Columbia County, the Ichabod Crane School District, the Town of Kinderhook and the Villages of Valatie and Kinderhook. A longtime Democrat, he was a candidate on the county Democratic ticket twice for the office of district attorney and once for the office of surrogate. He was a lifetime member of the St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church of Valatie and, for many years, a trustee of that church. Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 11 a.m. from St. John the Baptist Church where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. John Molyn. Interment will be in St. John's Cemetery. Calling hours will be Tuesday from 6-9 p.m. at the family residence, 1021 Kinderhook St., Valatie, N.Y. For those who wish, contributions may be made to either the Valatie Rescue Squad or the Valatie Santa Claus Club. Arrangements are with the Raymond E. Bond Funeral Home, Valatie. Published in the Albany Times Union on 9/18/2005. Bentancohurt, Madalina ALBANY Madalina Bentancohurt, 73, of New York, N.Y., died September 16, 2005 while visiting relatives in this area. Mrs. Bentancohurt was a homemaker. Wife of Alirio Bentancohurt; mother of Gabriel Betancourt of Albany and Sarah Bentancohurt of Delmar; also survived by one brother and one sister. Funeral services private at the convenience of the family. Published in the Albany Times Union on 9/18/2005. Brewer, Louis (Memoriam) BREWER Rev. Louis C. In loving memory of Reverend Louis C. Brewer who passed away three years ago today. Your presence we miss, your memory we treasure. Loving you always, forgetting you never. Rest in peace. Your Loving Wife Dorothy Children Samuel, Jerome, Ethel, Louis Earl, Betty and Anita Published in the Albany Times Union on 9/18/2005. Burch Jr., Thomas J. ALBANY Thomas J. Burch Jr., 83, died Wednesday, September 14, 2005 at St. Peter's Hospital. Born in Albany, he was the son of the late Thomas and Mae Maxwell Burch. Mr. Burch was a graduate of CBA, Class of 1939, and the College of St. Rose. He was a World War II Army veteran having served in the Pacific Theatre. He worked for 30 years as a sales representative for Mack Miller Co. of Syracuse. Mr. Burch was a city alderman and member of the Albany Common Council from 1967 to 1989. He was a chairman of the 1986 Albany Tricentennial Parade. Mr. Burch was a member of the Albany Elks BPOE #49, the University Club, American Legion Post #30 and was also a founding member of Pop Warner football in the City of Albany. He is survived by his wife Doris Rouse Burch; six children, Thomas J. Burch III, Kevin (Jennifer Nardolillo) Burch, Peter Burch, Gregory (Patricia) Burch, Betsy Burch and Nancy (Thomas) Harvey; his two grandsons, Connor and Robert Maxwell Harvey. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. in St. Vincent dePaul Church, 900 Madison Ave. at Partridge St. Relatives and friends are invited and may also call at the Daniel Keenan Funeral Home, 490 Delaware Avenue on Monday from 3-7 p.m. Interment will follow the Mass in St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may send memorial contributions to Catholic Charities, 40 North Main Ave., Albany, NY 12206 or the American Red Cross of NENY, 33 Everett Rd., Albany, NY 12205. Published in the Albany Times Union from 9/16/2005 - 9/18/2005. Como, Florence B. ALBANY Florence B. Como, 73, died Thursday, September 15, 2005 at the Albany County Nursing Home after a short illness. Born and raised in Albany, Florence was a lifelong resident of the Capital District. Daughter of the late Clayton and Elizabeth Van Dermore Benson, Florence was the wife of the late Albert Como and the late Lawrence Rooney. Mrs. Como worked for many years as a data entry clerk with the New York State Comptroller's Office before retiring in the late 80s. Florence was a member of the American Legion Zaloga Post 1520 in Albany as well as the US Navy Reserve and was a former member of the Eastern Star. Florence is survived by her loving children, Edward Como of Columbus, Ohio; the late David Como, R.I., Alan Como, Syracuse, N.Y. and Lisa (Joseph) Como Gatta of Scotia, N.Y.; her sister, Janet C. Benson of Albany; as well as seven grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Monday, September 19, 2005 at Frederick Funeral Home, 633 Central Ave. Interment, Albany Rural Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to call at the funeral home from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday. Published in the Albany Times Union on 9/18/2005. Diacetis, Anthony C. BALLSTON LAKE Father Anthony C. Diacetis, of Our Lady of Grace Church, Ballston Lake, passed away suddenly on September 16, 2005 at Ellis Hospital. Father Diacetis was born on October 17, 1944 in Albany, N.Y., the son of Theodore J. and Conchetta Christiana Diacetis. He attended Vincentian Institute in Albany, Mater Christi Seminary in Albany, St. Paul's Seminary in Ottawa and North American College in Rome. He was ordained as a priest on December 19, 1969 in Rome, Italy. He first served as associate pastor at St. Mary's Parish in Crescent from September 1970-July 1974. He was then assigned to study Canon Law at Catholic University, where he earned a J.C.D. He was the temporary administrator of St. James in Chatham from May to September 1977. He was assigned to the Diocesan Tribunal Office as the Defender of the Bond and appointed as the Judicial Vicar in November 1978. He was re-appointed to that position in 1981 for an additional three-year term. Beginning in January 1982, he also served as judge of the First Instance and continued as Defender of the Bond. He became the pastor of St. Mary's Parish in Stuyvesant Falls in September 1984 and served in that capacity until August 1985. He was appointed for an additional three-year term as Judicial Vicar in November 1984. He served as president of the Canon Law Society of American from 1983-1984. In August 1985, he was appointed as the chaplain to St. Joseph's Provincial House and was also appointed to the Board of Consultors in September 1985 for a five-year term. He became the pastor of Our Lady of Grace Parish in Ballston Lake in April 1989 where he remained until his death. Tony was the dean of Saratoga County from 1994 to 2000. He also served as a chaplain in the New York Army National Guard from 1987 until his death. Predeceased by his parents and a sister, Constance Diacetis. Survivors include his sisters, Theresa and Frank Smith of Niskayuna and Barbara and Terry Powell of Earlton, N.Y.; his brother, Theodore and Mary Jane Diacetis Jr. of Albany. Also survived by nieces and nephews, Teri Smith, Alicia Searles, James Diacetis, Patricia Montena, Mark Diacetis, Stephanie Murphy and Scott Powell. Also survived by grandnieces and grandnephews, Ashley Diacetis, Emily Searles, Amber Diacetis, Matthew Montena, Zachary Diacetis, Tyler Searles, Lincoln Murphy, Evan Montena, Evangeline Murphy, Brittany DeMarinis, Nicole DeMarinis and Charleen Knapp. Father Diacetis will be waked on Monday, September 19 at Our Lady of Grace Church in Ballston Lake. The Reception of the Body will be at 4:00 p.m. with viewing until the Parish Mass, which will be celebrated at 7:00 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Grace Church at 12:00 noon on September 20. Burial will be in St. Patrick's Cemetery in Ravena. Memorial contributions may be made to Catholic Relief Services, the Hurricane Katrina Fund, 40 North Main Avenue, Albany, NY 12203. Arrangements are by Townley and Wheeler Funeral Home, Ballston Lake, N.Y. 399-5022. Published in the Albany Times Union on 9/18/2005. DiStefano Sr., Stanley (Memoriam) DiSTEFANO Stanley Sr. Dad, Poppy. Remembering you on your birthday today and every day. Love, Your Wife, Daughters, Son and Grandchildren Published in the Albany Times Union on 9/18/2005. Duell, Anita R. SARATOGA SPRINGS Anita R. Duell, 87, died September 14, 2005. Survivors, husband, Earl P. Duell; son, Earl (Shirley) Duell; daughters, Rose Marie (Tom) Kelley, Edith (Greg) Fitzgerald, Elizabeth Pisano. Services 11 a.m. Monday, William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes. Calling hour 10-11 a.m. Monday at the funeral home prior to services. www.burkefuneralhome.com Published in the Albany Times Union on 9/18/2005. Gordon, Max ALBANY Max Gordon, 94, passed away Saturday, September 17, 2005 at his home after a long illness. Max was born on January 13, 1911 in Lynn, Mass., the son of the late Julius and Dora Pearis Gordon. Max was a graduate of Lynn Classical High School, Bates College, attended Harvard Law School and was a graduate of Boston University Law School. He was associated with the former Herzog, Nichols and O'Brien Law Firm and retired from O'Connell and Aronowitz as an associate. Max is survived by his close friend and loving wife of 38 years, Mary Lawlor Gordon. An exceptionally patient and loving father, he leaves sons, Jeffrey H. Gordon, M.D. (Marie); Jonathan A. Gordon (Sarah); and his daughter, Lenna C. Gordon; grandsons, Julian B. Gordon, M.D. (Ashley), Michael Judd, M.D. (Jill); granddaughters, Valerie Judd and Deborah Gordon. Max was the loving and loved stepfather of MaryBeth Denn Czernicki, Karen Ann Denn Cunniff (Joseph); Papa of step-grandchildren, Elizabeth Czernicki Quist (Lt. Erik, USMC), Valerie and Sarah Czernicki, Allison Cunniff and Elliot B. Cunniff. He also is survived by four great-grandchildren and a sister, Bette Cohen (Sidney). Honoring his wishes, there will be no services. Published in the Albany Times Union on 9/18/2005. Harnick, Edna SARATOGA SPRINGS Edna Harnick, 94, died September 16, 2005. Predeceased by husband, Leo Harnick. Survived by son and daughter-in-law, Dr. Robert and Joette Harnick; granddaughter, Dr. Janelle Harnick; nieces, Rita Kalish, Gloria Shapiro. Private graveside services at the convenience of the family at Mt. Ararat Cemetery, Farmingdale, N.Y. burkefuneralhome.com Published in the Albany Times Union on 9/18/2005. Jandro, Rose A. ALBANY Rose A. Jandro, 97, died Tuesday, September 13, 2005 at St. Peter's Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. She was born in Albany, the daughter of the late William and Anna McKinney O'Toole. She had resided in Albany all of her life. Rose was employed at the New York State Department of Audit and Control and retired in 1975 after 25 years of state service. She was a former member of St. Patrick's Altar Rosary Society and also sang in its choir. Rose was also a former member of the Railroad Trainmen's Society. Rose was the wife of the late Charles J. Jandro and is survived by her daughter, Charlene Pangburn Jandro of Albany and her beloved cat, Jaime. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday 10:30 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Church, Central Avenue, Albany. Relatives and friends are also invited to call at Zwack & Sons, 633 Central Avenue, Albany, Monday 9 to 10 a.m. Interment will be in St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands, N.Y. Published in the Albany Times Union from 9/17/2005 - 9/18/2005. Johnson, Margaret (Memoriam) JOHNSON Margaret We celebrate your first birthday since passing to the Lord. We miss you so much, Happy Birthday. Love You, Your Daughter, Rosetta and Granddaughter, Tyra Published in the Albany Times Union on 9/18/2005. Kemner, Paula (Memoriam) KEMNER Paula 9/18/55 - 9/25/89 My dear daughter, today would have been your 50th birthday. We are not going to be able to celebrate together, but now Dad is with you in God's home. Tell him to give you a big hug and kiss for me. Love you both and miss you always. Mom Published in the Albany Times Union on 9/18/2005. Kemner, Paula (Memoriam) KEMNER Paula Happy 50th Birthday Mommy! We wish you were here to celebrate. Love and miss you very much! Stephanie & family, Cindy & family and April Published in the Albany Times Union on 9/18/2005. Lynn, Richard E. ALBANY Richard E. Lynn, 88, born January 14, 1917 in Woolrich, Pa., died suddenly Friday, September 16, 2005 at home. He was the son of the late Harry Q. and Marthena Bower Lynn. Mr. Lynn was a graduate of Avis High School, Class of 1934. He was a World War II Army Air Corps veteran. He worked happily over 50 years for Capital Newspapers. Mr. Lynn was a member of the North Albany American Legion Post, Brunswick Elks, TU Quarter Century Club, St. Catherine of Siena Church and especially enjoyed and loved his family, golf, fishing, reading newspapers, RPI football and lunches at Bella Napoli. Richard leaves to mourn his memory, his wife of 53 years, Marilyn Leib Lynn; daughters, Nancy R. Lynn of Troy, Patricia M. Cavallaro (John) of Latham, Ruth F. Ferrone (Larry) of Willowick, Ohio, Sheryl A. Centanni (Michael) of Cropseyville, Melanie M. Adalian (Charles) of Altamont; grandchildren, Suzanne Cavallaro (James), William Lynn (Betsy), Richard Cavallaro, Chip Adalian, Sarah Centanni, Karisa Centanni, Joseph Ferrone, Katie Centanni, Collin Adalian, Scott Ferrone, Michele Centanni and Patrick Ferrone; great-grandchildren, Kylie Cavallaro, Nicholas Lynn and James Cavallaro; beloved sisters, Geraldine Spooner of Albany, Ruth Anslow of Willowick, Ohio; brother-in-law, Gerald Leib (Suzi) of Erie, Pa. Richard was predeceased by his first wife, Ruth Mohr; brother of the late Willard Lynn, Florence Vine; brother-in-law of the late Joseph Anslow, George Vine and Oscar E. Spooner; uncle of Barry Spooner and Alan Vine and the late Richard C. Vine (who died just last week); several cousins and many friends also survive. Funeral services Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. from the McVeigh Funeral Home, 208 North Allen Street, Albany thence to St. Catherine of Siena Church, Albany at 10:00 a.m. where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Relatives and friends are invited and may call Monday 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the funeral home. Those wishing to remember Richard and his family in a special way may send a contribution to the Children's Hospital at AMCH, 47 New Scotland Ave., Albany, NY 12208. Published in the Albany Times Union on 9/18/2005. Messier, Raymond (Memoriam) MESSIER In loving memory of my husband, Raymond L. on what would have been our 50th anniversary today September 18, 2005. Married at St. Francis DeSales Church, West Albany by the late Msgr. John F. McDonald. Though your smile is gone forever, and your hands I cannot touch, I still have so many memories, of the one I loved so much. Have you ever known the heartache, or ever felt the pain, You'll never be forgotten, and I miss you more each day. Life doesn't seem the same, since our Lord took you away. Thinking of you is easy, I do that everyday, Missing you is a heartache, That will never go away. Your Loving Wife, Carmela Published in the Albany Times Union on 9/18/2005. Milanese, Frank Michael FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. Frank Michael Milanese, born October 28, 1956 in Troy, N.Y., died of cancer on July 29, 2005. Frank is survived by his parents, Suzanne (Milanese) Clary and Mickey (Milan) Milanese; brother, John M.; sister and brother-in-law, Laurie and Chris Cathell; nephew and godson, Nicholas; fiancee, Eva Brittell; Aunt Marge, Uncle John F.; cousins, Michele (Milanese) and David Pesek; and by his local extended family. Frank's artistic and musical versatility were GIFT. Professionally, a graphic designer, art director and cartoonist whose magazine and advertising displays were award winners. Frank's passion was Renaissance and Baroque art. His canvas reflected the Masters, and re-created magnificence with his own perceptive eye and unique stroke of his heart. He will be remembered and loved as a compassionate, caring, gentle, authentic man and genuine great friend. Frank's thoughtful ways, beaming smile, quick wit and charming charisma electrified a room and made our world a better place. A Mass will be Saturday, October 8 at 9:30 a.m. at St. Anthony Church, Troy. Friends and relatives are invited. Published in the Albany Times Union on 9/18/2005. Opalka, Catherine M. SARATOGA SPRINGS Catherine M. (Mahar) Opalka, 56, of Saratoga Springs, N.Y., passed away Saturday, September 17, 2005 at Saratoga Hospital, with her husband Jim and sister-in-law Ginny at her side. Born on January 20, 1949 in Albany, N.Y., and raised in Waterford, N.Y., she was the daughter of the late William F. Mahar Sr. and Alice (Gorham) Mahar. She was an exceptionally devoted mother to Norman and Charles DeRusso; sister of Helen Safranek of Lancaster, Calif., Elizabeth Hagadorn of Apalachin, N.Y., Jack Mahar of Whitman, Ariz., George Mahar of Phoenix, Ariz., William Mahar Jr. of Valatie, N.Y. and the later Edward Mahar of Waterford, N.Y. She was previously employed by Cluett & Peabody and Samaritan Hospital, and was most recently employed by Saratoga Springs High School. She was loved by all who met her and had an everlasting smile on her (Face). A memorial service will be held at 12 noon Saturday, September 24 at St. Clement's Catholic Church, 231 Lake Ave., Saratoga Springs. There are no calling hours scheduled. Arrangements are by Simone Funeral Home, Inc., 105 Lake Ave, Saratoga Springs. The family wishes to thank the Mastrianni Group of Saratoga, especially Dr. Edward Liebers and PA Martuza Singaporewalla, the Community Hospice of Saratoga and all the loving and caring staff of A3 of Saratoga Hospital. Memorial contributions in Cathy's name may be made to Hospice of Saratoga, 179 Lawrence St., Saratoga Springs. Published in the Albany Times Union on 9/18/2005. Pettit, Paul (Memoriam) PETTIT Paul J. It's been four long years and we miss you very much. Love and prayers always. Joan, 5 + 3 + 6 Published in the Albany Times Union on 9/18/2005. Riccio, Susan A. LAS VEGAS, Nev. Susan A. Riccio, R.N., 86, of Whispering Marsh Drive, Las Vegas, formerly a resident of Amsterdam, passed away Tuesday evening, September 13, 2005, at home after a brief illness. Born in Gloversville, N.Y., on August 25, 1919, she was a daughter of Charles and Concetta Pisapia Persico. She grew up in Gloversville and was a graduate of Gloversville High School, Class of 1936. She later was a graduate of the former St. Mary's Hospital School of Nursing, Class of 1941, where she received her R.N. Mrs. Riccio was employed as a private duty nurse at St. Mary's Hospital in Amsterdam and Amsterdam Memorial Hospital for many years. She also worked for a time as a case worker for Montgomery County Department of Social Services, retiring in 1982. She was a communicant of St. Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church, Amsterdam and the church's altar rosary society. She was also a member of CSEA. She was involved in many bowling leagues and enjoyed lunch with her friends in Amsterdam. She loved her family and enjoyed the many family gatherings and holidays with her grandchildren. She spent a lot of her retirement crocheting, solving crossword puzzles and reading. She married Alfred Victor Riccio on October 7, 1942. He passed away on July 19, 1998. She is survived by three sons, Alfred Thomas Riccio and his wife Barbara of Watertown, N.Y., Richard Charles Riccio and his wife Sandy of Delmar, N.Y. and Michael Lawrence Riccio of Amsterdam; three daughters, Ann Mary Riccio Wyszomirski and her husband Jerry of Las Vegas, Nev., Susan Grace Riccio of Las Vegas, Nev. and Phyllis Kirk and her husband Bernard of Fultonville, N.Y.; one brother, Peter Persico of Schenectady, N.Y.; six grandchildren, Donna Farchione, Stephen Wyszomirski, Nancy Karn, Keith and Justin Riccio and Gregory Kirk; two step-grandchildren, Frank and Danny Derrigo; six great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews; and cousins also survive. Mrs. Riccio was predeceased by one brother, Thomas Persico; and two sisters, Grace Lapos and Josephine Meltzer. Funeral services will be held on Monday at 8:15 a.m. at the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Ave., Amsterdam, N.Y. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:15 a.m. at St. Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church in Amsterdam with the Rev. Pascal Iannotti as celebrant. Interment will be in St. Michael's Cemetery, Amsterdam. The family will receive relatives and friends on Sunday from 2 until 6 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Anne Foundation, 160 North Main St., Albany, NY 12206. Please sign the family's guest book at: www.brbsfuneral.com Published in the Albany Times Union from 9/17/2005 - 9/18/2005. Rice, Grace Ann TOLEDO, Ohio Grace Ann Rice, 64, died September 9, 2005. Born in Schenectady to the late Henry and Virginia Ackroyd. Predeceased by husband, Fred Red Rice; sister, Harriet Sullivan. Survivors, sons, Kenneth James (Julie), Russell James (Amy), Capt. Reginald Rice (Jessica); daughters, Cherylene Gahan (Paul), Regina Palys (Thomas). There was a short family viewing in Toledo; a memorial service is to follow. Donations in Grace's name can be given to Hospice of Toledo, 30000 East River Rd., Perrysburg, OH 43551. Published in the Albany Times Union on 9/18/2005. Russo, Charles A. SNYDERS LAKE Charles A. Russo, age 81, husband of the late Mary Louise Verenini Russo, who died in 2004, died Tuesday, September 13, 2005 at Bay Pines V.A. Hospital in Bay Pines, Fla. Mr. Russo moved to Largo, Fla. 10 months ago and resided in Snyders Lake for 54 years. Born in North Blenheim, N.Y., he was the son of the late Earl and Etho Clark Ruso. He attended North Blenheim schools and was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II. He owned and operated Charles A. Russo Rural Plumbing, Heating and Pump Service for 35 years, retiring in 2000. He was a longtime communicant of St. Jude the Apostle Church, Wynantskill, serving as a Eucharistic minister for many years; a member of St. Jude's Knights of Columbus; member and past president of the Wynantskill Kiwanis; and a member of the Troy Lodge of Elks. Survivors include his two sons, Chuck (Georgia) Russo of Castleton and Michael (Sharon) Russo of Ballston Spa; two granddaughters, Heather (Michael) Cipullo of Plymouth, Mass. and Melissa (Jason) Bartholomeau of Jacksonville, Fla.; and two great-grandchildren, Hanna Rose Bartholomeau and Max Cipullo. The funeral will be from the Thomas S. Connolly Funeral Home, 294 Whiteview Rd., Wynantskill on Monday at 9:15 a.m. and at 10 a.m. at St. Jude the Apostle Church, Wynantskill where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Burial will follow in the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville. Calling hours will be at the funeral home on Sunday from 4 to 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Community Hospice of Rensselaer County, 295 Valley View Blvd., Rensselaer, N.Y. 12144 in memory of Mr. Russo would be appreciated. Published in the Albany Times Union from 9/17/2005 - 9/18/2005. Santiago, Desiree (Memoriam) SANTIAGO Desiree Rose (Dee Dee) As you look down upon us, we hope that you will know no matter how much time will pass we love and miss you so. We miss your hearty laughter, your gentle warm embrace, the jokes you shared that always put a smile upon our face. Though we no longer see you, we know you are still here if only in our hearts and minds from memories so dear. So when we count our blessings, your memory is very high among the things we cherish more and more as time goes by. Until we meet again. Love, Mom, Dad, Sisters, Brothers and Nieces Published in the Albany Times Union on 9/18/2005. Santiago, Desiree (Memoriam) SANTIAGO Desiree As the years fly by, everything changes except the memories of you. Like a still photo in my mind. Your smile, your laugh. I don't know if I ever told anyone how much you influenced me. I don't think I even realized it until much later. Our conversations that always led to laughter. I'm still sitting here with you on your porch, in your yard, in my memories. You always bring a smile to my face whenever I think of you. I hope you're playing tennis and singing and laughing. Love always, your cousin Tracey. Published in the Albany Times Union on 9/18/2005. Thomas, Charles E. SELKIRK Charles E. Thomas, 72, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 15, 2005 at the V.A. Hospital in Albany. Born in Chicago to the late Joseph and Emily (Rose) Thomas, he served as a sergeant in the United States Marine Corps from 1951-1954 and then attended HVCC. A drafting engineer, construction supervisor and, most recently, an estimator for Best Paving of Albany, he helped many to build their homes as well as building his own, which he shared with his wife of over 52 years. He is survived by his loving wife, Joanna (Franchini) Thomas; his son, Joseph M. Thomas; his daughter, Linda Cookingham; son-in-law, Kevin Cookingham; daughter-in-law, Laura Thomas; seven devoted grandchildren, Nicole, Corey, Nikolaus, Jennifer, Melissa, Stephanie and Amanda and two great-grandchildren. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Sunday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Applebee Funeral Home, 403 Kenwood Ave., Delmar. A memorial service will be held 9 a.m. Monday at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Glenmont. Memorial contributions may be made to the Stratton V.A. Activity Fund, 113 Holland Ave., Albany, NY 12208 or the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1942. Published in the Albany Times Union from 9/17/2005 - 9/18/2005. Wilson Jr., Clark K. REXFORD Clark K. Wilson Jr., 61, of Nott Road, died Saturday, September 17, 2005 at home, surrounded by his family, after a long illness. Clark was born in Schenectady and was a lifelong Rexford resident. He was a graduate of Niskayuna High School, Tufts University, Class of 1965, and received a master's degree from SUNY Albany. Mr. Wilson was a lifetime employee of state government, working for the department of correctional services for 37 years, retiring in 2003 as deputy superintendent of programs at Greene Correctional Facilities. Mr. Wilson was a member of the Rexford Methodist Church and a member of the church board. He was also a member of the board of directors of OMCE and National Corrections Recreation Association. Clark's community involvement included being president of the Rexford Historical Society, president of the Rexford Civic Association, Fire Board of Commissioners, Rexford Water Committee and the Town of Clifton Park Open Spaces Committee. Clark taught the importance of giving of time, talent and treasure freely to all he could. He loved to travel and spend time with his family. Clark will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Clark is predeceased by his grandparents, John and Laura Vrooman McLane; his parents, Clark K. Wilson Sr. and Dorothy McLane Wilson. He is survived by his wife, Kristine Ring Wilson, whom he married in 1978; one daughter, Catherine Ring Wilson of Rexford; one son, Clark K. Wilson III and his wife Cristina of Troy; one sister, Valerie DuPuy of N.C.; sister-in-law, Kathleen Funk and her husband Thomas of Fla.; two nieces, Lisette DuPuy of Calif. and Meredith DuPuy Nichols of N.C.; one nephew, Daniel DuPuy of Calif.; and one cousin, Ruth Janiec. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral service which will be conducted Tuesday morning at 10:30 at the Rexford Methodist Church, Main St., Rexford. Calling hours will be Monday from 3:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Gleason Funeral Home, 730 Union St., Schenectady. Burial will be in Albany Rural Cemetery, Menands. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Rexford Methodist or to the Rexford Fire Department. The family wishes to thank the nurses, physicians and the Hospice Program who were so good to the family during his long journey and thanks to all the family and friends who sent cards and food. Published in the Albany Times Union on 9/18/2005. Yankowski, Dorothy V. NORTH GREENBUSH Dorothy V. Yankowski, beloved wife of the late William Bud Yankowski, of North Greenbush, N.Y., died on September 16, 2005 at home surrounded by her loving family. Born in Troy, she was the daughter of the late Edward J. Flynn and Johanna Dorsey Flynn. She was the cherished mother of four sons and two daughters. Dorothy was educated in Troy schools and was a devoted housewife and mother. Later in life, she was employed by the Troy Savings Bank and Emma Willard School. Dorothy loved everything Irish. Her large, extended family spanned four generations. She considered her family her deepest treasure. She is survived by her sons, Deacon Frank E. Yankowski (Jacqueline) of North Greenbush, William (Mary Ann) Yankowski of Novi, Mich., Thomas J. and Edward J. Yankowski of North Greenbush; her daughters, Nancy Shields (late husband Jack) and Mary Ellen Bailey (Brian). She is also survived by her 12 beloved grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her grandson, John Yankowski, and great-grandson, Jack Shields. She was the sister of the late William Flynn, Catherine Devery, Anna Fostner, Elizabeth Stack and is also survived by many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. The funeral will be on Tuesday at 8:45 a.m. from the Daniel D. Purcell Funeral Home, 510 Pawling Ave. at Parkview Court, Troy and at 9:30 a.m. at Saint Michael the Archangel Church, 175 Williams Rd., Troy, N.Y. Interment will be in Memory's Garden, Colonie, N.Y. Relatives and friends are invited and may call at the funeral home Monday, September 19 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Donations in Dorothy's memory may be made to Saint Michael's Church Memorial Fund, 175 Williams Rd., Troy, NY 12180. Published in the Albany Times Union from 9/17/2005 - 9/18/2005.